Paul Caldwell

Paul Marvin Caldwell

October 9, 1936 - June 3, 2023

Paul Marvin Caldwell, 86, of Highland, Utah, passed away on June 3, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer (though in recent months he warned us that he was destined to die of boredom).

Born the last of six children to Lorin and Loreen Caldwell, Paul spent the first six years of his life on a small family farm in Altona, Utah (just outside of Roosevelt). At the onset of WWII, he moved to the "big city" of Sugarhouse, where his father worked at an armaments plant. They later moved to a farm in Sandy and then settled into a home in Midvale.

As a young man, Paul loved athletics, where he excelled in basketball, football, and track & field. As a proud Jordan High Beatdigger, he won three consecutive state basketball championships, excelled at the high jump, and was voted first-team all-state in football. He also loved the social aspect of school and was elected student body president by his peers. He remained in close contact with many dear high school friends until his passing.

After graduating high school, Paul accepted a football scholarship at BYU, where he continued his athletic success and education. He remained "loyal, strong, and true" the rest of his life, passing his competitive obsession down to his children.

After playing four years of football at BYU, Paul volunteered to serve a mission for the LDS Church and was assigned to labor in the North Germany Mission. He was serving in Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall, and he described this as a fascinating and thrilling experience. He learned to love the German people, history, and culture, and was therefore ecstatic when he was called - decades later - to serve again as a senior missionary in Germany, beside his favorite and eternal companion.

After his mission, Paul was introduced to a beautiful Texas girl by the name of Juanita Bryant who was teaching 8th grade English for Granite School District. They courted, fell in love, and were married in 1966 in the Salt Lake temple.

Paul and Nita made several career moves early in their marriage, including stays in Rupert, Idaho, and Chicago, Illinois. He loved each stop, but he always called himself a "Utah Boy" and eventually found a way to return to the family, culture, and landscape he loved. Upon returning to Utah, he and Nita lived in Midvale for 5 years. Then in 1978, the growing family moved to rural Highland, where he served for decades in the community, finished raising his family, and lived the remainder of his life.

Paul was loved by all who knew him. He had a jovial spirit, a wonderful sense of humor, an optimistic outlook, and a gentle heart. Many described him as the "salt of the earth" - humble, unassuming, and kind.

Paul had unwavering faith and a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He loved the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully throughout his life, including callings in the bishopric, various high councils, and as a bishop of a BYU married ward.

Paul leaves behind the love of his life, Nita, who loved and cared for him unconditionally for 57 wonderful years. He also leaves behind 6 children who adore and love him: Christine (Max Christensen), Loreen (David Gardner), Steven (Emily), Julie (Shayler Backlund), Kenneth (Karen), and David. He will also be dearly missed and fondly remembered by 24 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, each of whom were a pure delight to him.

Paul is preceded in death by his father (Lorin), mother (Loreen), his siblings (Grace, Beth, Dean, Don, and Gale), and countless family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday June 9, 2023 at the Highland 10th Ward Chapel, 11000 North 6400 West, Highland, UT. In lieu of a viewing, Paul requested that all friends and family remain after the funeral service for an ice cream social - to re-connect, visit, laugh, and celebrate his wonderful life. Following the funeral service and social gathering, interment will be in the Highland City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the countless neighbors, ward members, medical personnel, and hospice staff who have done so much to care for and serve Paul. He loved and appreciated each of you.

For those who would like to attend the funeral service virtually, the following link may be used for the livestream:

https://zoom.us/j/92384725158